Acute Coronary Syndromes Outcomes for Medicare Patients

This study aims to improve the outcomes of elderly patients with ACS by identifying the most efficacious treatments. Clinically important outcomes (re-hospitalization, additional revascularization procedures, mortality and cost) associated with various treatment strategies (medical, CABG or PCIS) for a five-year follow-up period for Medicare patients initially treated for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in 1998 while controlling for treatment selection is being examined and the optimum treatment strategy for Medicare patients with ACS changes with advancing age (e.g., for cohorts aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older), co-morbidity presence, or both is being determined. Diffusion of strategies from 1998 to 2003 and whether the factors influencing treatment choice have changed over time are also being assessed.

Principal Investigator: Sally C. Stearns, Ph.D.

Funding Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA), NIH

Total Project Period: 04/05 – 8/31/11